Thinking of moving to us? Good news: switching accountants is far easier than most people expect. You don't need to have an awkward conversation, nothing gets missed in the handover, and there's no gap in looking after your deadlines. Here's exactly how it works - what you do (very little) and what we do (almost everything).
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You have the right to choose your accountant and to change accountants whenever you wish. Your old accountant cannot block the move (though it's best to settle any unpaid fees first - see Step 2).
Step 1 - Have a free chat with us (you - 20 minutes)
Tell us about your business and what you need. We'll confirm what we'd do for you and give you a clear fee - no obligation, and everything you tell us is treated in the strictest confidence.
Step 2 - Check your paperwork with your current accountant (you -10 minutes)
Dig out your engagement letter (the contract you signed with your current accountant) and check whether it mentions a notice period. Then settle any outstanding fees with them - it keeps the handover quick and clean.
Step 3 - Tell your current accountant you're moving (you - one short email)
A short, polite email is all it takes - we'll even give you template wording. You simply say you're moving to I Sumar & Co and that you authorise them to release your information to us. That's your part mostly done.
Step 4 - We contact your old accountant (us)
We write to your old accountant with what's known as a professional enquiry (often called "professional clearance") - a standard, courteous exchange between accountants - and request the handover of your records: your latest accounts, tax returns, tax references and supporting schedules.
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Good to know: professional practice is for your old accountant to respond promptly and hand over your records. Your original records belong to you, and there is not normally a charge for handing them over.
Step 5 - We verify your identity (you - 5 minutes)
We'll ask for photo ID and proof of address. This is a legal requirement under the UK Money Laundering Regulations before any accountant can act for you - we are registered with HMRC for anti-money-laundering supervision, and this quick check protects you as much as it protects us.
Official guidance: Money Laundering Regulations - customer due diligence (GOV.UK)
Step 6 - Sign your engagement letter with us (you - 5 minutes)
Our engagement letter sets out exactly what we'll do for you, when, and for what fee - so there are never any surprises.
Step 7 - Authorise us with HMRC (you - 2 minutes, we set it up)
For us to deal with HMRC on your behalf (Self Assessment, Corporation Tax, VAT, payroll), you authorise us as your agent. Usually we send you a secure online link (HMRC calls this the "digital handshake") - you click it and approve. For some taxes it's a simple form called a 64-8 instead. Either way, we prepare everything.
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Good to know: when you authorise us, HMRC's records update so the new authority replaces your old accountant's for the taxes covered - you don't need to "de-register" them separately.
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Official guidance: Appoint someone to deal with HMRC on your behalf (GOV.UK) · Authorising an agent (GOV.UK) · Authorise an agent online (GOV.UK)
Step 8 - Limited company? One extra code (you - 2 minutes, we guide you)
If you have a limited company, Companies House issues it a 6-character authentication code - the online equivalent of a signature for filings. We'll help you request a new code (which stops your old accountant's filing access) and you share the new one with us.
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Official guidance: Company authentication codes (GOV.UK)
Step 9 - We take over. You relax. (us)
We review everything that comes over in the handover, build your complete deadline calendar (accounts, tax returns, VAT, payroll, confirmation statement), and tell you if we spot anything your previous accountant missed - it happens more often than you'd think. From this point, nothing is your problem to chase.
Common questions
When is the best time to switch?
Any time. There's no rule that says you must wait for your year end - many clients find it smoothest just after a filing is completed, but we regularly take clients on mid-year and manage the handover around live deadlines.
Will I be charged for leaving my old accountant?
Normally no - there is not usually a charge for handing over your records. If you have unpaid fees, settle those first, as an accountant can in limited cases hold on to certain documents until they're paid.
Will anything be missed during the changeover?
That's exactly what the handover process is designed to prevent. We map every deadline before we take over, so nothing slips through the cracks during the change.
Do I have to explain myself to my old accountant?
No. A one-line email is enough. You never need to justify your decision - and we handle all the professional correspondence
